San Juan Capistrano Woman Shares Christmas Spirit by asking "How Can I Help?"

SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO, CA — Are you trying to get into the Christmas mood? Sometimes we get overwhelmed by the stress and hustle and bustle of shopping and decorating and we lose focus of the true meaning of Christmas.

If that's your situation, take a moment to watch this short video on a wonderful group of people led by Chris Pernick who are building classrooms in Africa.

By taking their eyes off of themselves and placing them on others, asking "How can I help?" now they are assisting to fill African classrooms with amenities, adding classrooms, bathrooms and making the school bigger and brighter for young students.

"When we left and came home, we decided let's see if we can do it," Chris said. "We raised $17,000 and went back to Kenya to build toilets and walls, the school buildings."

Maria Trefethen, a friend, wanted to help build another classroom and teacher's quarters.

"We got people together and started a 501(c)3," Maria said.

Teachers quarters and another classroom have now been added to the Kenya school.

We tend to take the little things for granted, like working restrooms or structures with walls and floors. Take 5 minutes to watch this video feel the warmth of what the true spirit of Christmas is all about.

So-Cal airs on Cox Channel 3, 4 and 8 throughout Southern California Monday through Friday at 10 pm and twice on Saturdays. Special shout out to the Li'l Dickens Carolers for making these videos truly sing! And to the Shops at Mission Viejo for allowing us to film on location at their Santa's Workshop.

Photos, courtesy Chris Pernick